Instructions For Specific Materials - Omtech USB1610c User Manual

The threshold for the lowest setting is 10%. The laser will not fire at any setting lower than this. It is NOT
recommended to use the laser tube at full capacity, especially for extended periods. The recommended
maximum power setting is 70%, as prolonged use above that amount will shorten your laser's service life.
To increase engraving depth, increase the amount of energy per unit area by increasing the laser's power
or the number of loops or by slowing down the speed parameter. Engraving too deep, however, reduces
image quality, especially for coated materials.
When working with new materials, remember that you should always start on the low end of likely settings. If
the effect is not yet strong enough, you can always rerun the design loop several times or rerun it with more
powerful settings until you create the effect that you want.
Resolution should usually be set to 500 dots per inch. Reducing your image resolution can be helpful in some
cases, reducing flaming and increasing the energy of the pulse in a way that improves the quality of the resultant
image in some materials such as some plastics.
Step 9. Turn on the laser tube by inserting and turning your laser key and by using its separate switch on the side of the cabinet.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, once the laser tube is on, try to touch the engraver with only one hand at a time.
Step 10. Press Start Pause to engrave your design. Again, do not stare continuously at the laser even through the
protective polycarbonate window. Watch for possible issues like sparks or fires, however, and be prepared
to to quickly extinguish a fire if necessary.
Step 11. Once the laser has stopped, examine the quality of your first run and adjust the laser parameters on the
control panel or in your software as necessary to create the desired effect.
Step 12. When you have finished engraving, close your engraving software and then turn off your machine in the
following order: laser power supply, control panel, any ventilation device, the water cooling system, and the
emergency power button. Remove your laser key from the control panel.
Step 13. Fully clean the workbed and empty the waste bin.
Step 14. For best results, lock and disconnect your laser engraver from its power supply between uses. Unplug it or
turn off its intermediary surge protector.

4.3 Instructions for Specific Materials

The following instructions are suggestions to help speed safe work with a range of materials. The user should research
the specific safety and engraving requirements of their specific material to avoid the risk of fire, hazardous dust,
corrosive and poisonous fumes, and other potential problems. Once the product is known to be safe or appropriate
protective equipment has been set up, it can be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced at various speed
and power settings to discover the ideal settings for your design. Alternatively, start with low power and fast speed
settings and rerun your design as many times as needed, using progressively greater laser intensity.
Description
Speed
150W
Power
Ceramics
When engraving on ceramics, generally use moderate to high power. Using more loops rather than higher power and
lower speed can help avoid cracking the material during work. Be mindful of the health risk posed by dust generated
from ceramic engraving, especially for repetitive industrial applications. Depending on the material and the amount of
work, a fan or even full ventilation system may be required to address the problem. Similarly, operators and others in
the work area may need to use breathing PPE such as masks and respirators.
Average Engraving Settings
Leather
Glass
Real
450 mm/s
275 mm/s
16%
16%
21
Clear
Acrylic
Artificial
475 mm/s
375 mm/s
15%
15%
Stone &
Wood
Tile
185 mm/s 225 mm/s
18% 18%